"This topic is so important to me as an educator. Because of how wonderfully written it was, this will be a book that I must have in my classroom." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list."
This book was absolutely fantastic. I loved this book because it grabbed my attention with the first sentence. An original story that I think anyone can relate to, "Thirteen Reasons Why" really made me reevaluate my actions. I'd like to think I always do the right thing and that I'm nice to everyone — but after reading this book I'm going to try so much harder.
I hardly found a flaw in this novel, but if I had to pick (I know this is superficial) it would be the cover. The girl on the cover isn't how I pictured Hannah and, while yes, the swing is kind of important, I feel like the cover doesn't scream "READ ME!" And a novel like this needs to be read. I knew that, but it took Sheila's review for me to finally pick it up and read it. While minimal, I wish this book had a better cover. A cover that, like "Hush Hush" (for example), demanded to be read. Although I've yet to read "Hush Hush."
This novel really touched me; this past year I started the "Yellow Ribbon Campaign" on our campus and organized several different speakers and activities to raise awareness about suicide and depression. This is topic is so important to me as an educator and because of how wonderfully written it was, this will be a book that I must have in my classroom. I'm not sure when I'll get around to purchasing it, but I will. The first day I enter my classroom to set it up, this book will be tucked in my bag. Anyone would devour this book and everyone should read it. If I could find enough copies, I'd make it mandatory to be read in class. Maybe it will have to be something I read aloud. This topic cannot be silenced any longer.
This book reminded me that my actions do have consequences, not matter how minimal they may seem. Thank you Sheila for encouraging me to read this book; I highly recommend it.
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 5/10
Overall Grade: 93/100 A
To the FTC, with love: Library Loan